Cube forming disc puzzle

ABSTRACT

Six dish-shaped discs have curved upstanding marginal edge portions selectively interleaved at spaced peripheral points to define a cube unit. The discs are of varying configurations, including straight angularly related edges, retaining ribs of various angles, upstanding ears, domed center portions, cutout center portions, or oblong shapes, all to vary the degree of difficulty associated with the assembly of the discs into a cube.

United States Patent 1191 Street 1111 3,811,683 1451 May 21, 1974 CUBEFORMING DISC PUZZLE [76] Inventor: Frederick G. Street, 27 Jackson Ave.,Bradford, Pa. 16701 [22] Filed: Dec. 7, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 311,729v

[52] US. Cl 273/157 R [51] Int. Cl. A63f 9/12 [58] Field of Search273/156, 157R, 146;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,674,276 7/1972 Street etal 273/157 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 346,126 4/1931 GreatBritain 273/146 10,069 1898 Great Britain 273/156 'Primary ExaminerAntonO. Oechsle Attorney, Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B.Jacobson [5 7] ABSTRACT Six dish-shaped discs have curved upstandingmarginal edge portions selectively interleaved at spaced peripheralpoints to define a cube unit. The discs are of varying configurations,including straight angularly related edges, retaining ribs of variousangles, upstanding ears, domed center portions, cutout center portions,or oblong shapes, all to vary the degree of difficulty associated withthe assembly of the discs into a cube.

4 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures CUBE FORMING DISC PUZZLE The inventionherein resides in the presentation of new and useful improvements on thebasic invention as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,276, issued on July4, 1972 for Disc Puzzle, wherein applicant was a coinventor.

More specifically, the present invention is concerned with structuralvariations of the basic disc puzzle whereby the degree of difficultyencountered in assembling the puzzle can be varied substantially, makingthe puzzle either extremely difficult or relatively easy to assemble. Assuch, it will be appreciated that the puzzle can in effect be adapted toamuse, entertain, provide a challenge for, or a physical manipulationtraining device for persons of varying skills and ability.

The improved puzzle, in each of the forms thereof, utilizes nomechanical fasteners, relying instead on a particular positioning of thesix discs so as to effect an interlocked disc retaining relationshiptherebetween.

The discs are to be provided six to a set with the discs of each setnormally being of the same structural construction and configuration.These discs can have a variety of structural features which, dependingupon the particular nature thereof, either simplify or increase thedifficulty of assembly of the discs into a hollow cube configuration.Among the many variations contemplated are discs with polygonal edges,discs with concentric inwardly spaced retaining projections, discs withprojecting tabs, domed discs, discs with central cut-outs of varyingtypes, and discs of oblong configuration.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished cube utilizing a form of dischaving a polygonal edge in conjunction with an inwardly spaced edgeparalleling retaining projection or ridge;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the cube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on aplane passing along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of one of the discs of the cube of FIG. 1;

' FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a modified form of disc;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view, with a portion thereof brokenaway, of a cube assembled from discs of the type illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a further form of disc;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevational view, with a portion broken away forpurposes of illustration, of a cube assembled from discs of the typeshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a slightly modified formof disc;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a further form of disc having a domedcentral portion;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged elevational view, with portions thereof brokenaway, of a cube formed from discs of the type shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a further form of disc;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view, with portions broken away, of a cubeassembled from discs of the type shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is yet another form of disc;

FIG. 15 is an elevational view, with portions broken away, of a cubeformed utilizing discs of the type shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is another form of disc; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cube formed utilizing discs of thetype shown in FIG. 16.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, it should initially benoted that the method of assembling each set of six discs into a cubeunit is the same as that set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,674,276, and thedisclosure of that patent is incorporated herein.

Basically, the steps of assembly include placing the first dischorizontally on the middle fingers of the hand. The second disc is thenplaced vertically adjacent the first disc with the edge of the seconddisc lying against the outer surface of the edge of the first disc. Thethird disc is positioned similarly to the second disc in diametricallyopposed relation thereto. The fourth disc is positioned vertically atright angles to the second and third discs with the lower edge of thefourth disc sitting within the edge of the first disc and with theopposed sidesof the fourth disc lying against the outer sides of theadjoining second and third discs. The fifth disc is positioned in thesame manner as the fourth disc in opposed relation thereto. The sixthand final disc is horizontally positioned with opposed sides of itsperipheral edge underlying the upper edge portions of the second andthird discs and with the sides of the upper edge at right angles to thefirst mentioned sides of the sixth disc overlying the upper edgeportions of the fourth and fifth discs. As noted supra, a more detailedexplanation of this assembly procedure is set forth in US. Pat. No.3,674,276.

In furtherance of the intention of the invention to vary the difficultyassociated with the assembly of the puzzle, there is set forth hereinvarious specific structural modifications in the basic disc which,through their uniqueness, directly control the difficulty associatedwith the assembly of the discs and hence the challenge involved.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the disc 20 illustrated therein, in bothassembled form as a six disc cube and as a single disc, is generallypolygonal in shape, that is has a plurality of straight angularlyrelated edge portions 22. While theoretically any number of straightedge portions can be provided, sixteen of these edge portions isprobably the practical maximum and eight such edge portions ispreferred. In providing eight such edge portions, as will be noted fromFIGS. 1, 2 and 3,

flat or straight seating portions will be provided for each of theassembled discs at the points peripherally thereabout which engage theadjoining discs.

The central portion 24 of the disc is solid and flat or planar. Thiscentral portion 24, noting FIG. 3 in particular, is inwardly offset fromthe peripheral edge with the peripheral edge, including each of thestraight edge portions 22, being transversely arcuate to provide agenerally cupped or dished configuration. The inwardly offset centralportion 24 underlies the inner portion of .the transversely arcuateperipheral edge and is integrally connected therewith by a partition 26which acts so as to define a pair of acute or re-entrant angles 28 and30. As will be subsequently noted, such acute angle abutments can beused on other forms of discs, regardless of the peripheralconfigurations thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the edges ofthe discs 20, upon assembly, are snugly nested within each other,sitting conveniently within the formed acute angles 28, therebyproviding a high degree of stability in conjunction with substantialease of assembly. It should be appreciated that, in varying thedifficulty of assembly, any type of edge engaging abutment can beprovided. Noting for example FIG. 8, the angle of the partition 46between the peripheral edge and central portion or panel 42 can bevaried so as to change the nature of the edge receiving angle and hencevary the degree of difficulty associated with the assembly of the discs20. Further, a simple ridge, as suggested in FIG. 9 can also be used.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another form of disc 32, both assembled anddisassembled, wherein a circular configuration is provided. The centralportion 34 of the disc 32 is flat with the peripheral edge 36 arcuatelycurving away from the central portion 34 to one side thereof as a smoothcontinuation of the central portion. A plurality of laterally projectingtabs 38 are formed at circumferentially spaced points about the centralportion or panel 34 so as to project toward the same side of the disc 32as the arcuate peripheral edge 36. These tabs or tongues are located atapproximately the outer periphery of the central portion 34, that isalong the imaginary dividing line between the central portion 34 and thearcuately turned edge 36. In this manner, the tabs 38 act as an abutmentfor the edges of the adjoining discs 32 during the assembly of the discs32 into a cube unit as shown in FIG. 6. The angle of projection of thetabs 38, as well as the height and width thereof, can of course bevaried. As will be appreciated, this form of disc 32 will also berelatively easy to assemble due to the positive stabilizing abutmentsprovided by the projecting tabs 38.

The form of FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a circular disc 40 which is in effect acircular variation of the polygonal disc of FIGS. 1-4. In other words,the disc 40 also includes a fiat recessed central portion 42 which isintegrally formed with the peripheral arcuate edge 44 by an angularlyorientated panel or partition 46. The angular direction of the partition46 can of course be varied, however, in this form of the invention, soas to increase the difficulty thereof, it is contemplated that the edgeseating angle 48 formed between the partition 46 and the arcuate edge 44be of slightly greater than 90 degrees. This angular arrangement, inconjunction with the circular rather than polygonal edge will result ina more difficult assembly procedure than that associated with the formof FIGS. l-4.

FIG. 9 illustrates another variation wherein a groove, and correspondinginwardly projecting rib 50 are provided peripherally about the circulardisc 52 between the transversely arcuate edge 54 and the central portionor panel 56. In this manner, an abutment is also provided forfacilitating a seating of the edges of the adjoining discs 52 during theassembly operation. The depth of the ridge or rib 50 can of course bevaried, as well as the angular orientation thereof so as to effect theassembly challenge. If so desired, the central panel 56 can be raised orrecessed.

The form of disc 58 illustrated in FIGS. and 11 is, by its construction,extremely difficult to assemble. This difficulty arises primarily fromthe fact that the central portion 60 of the disc 58 is domed with thisdomed central portion 60 continuing smoothly and directly into thearcuate peripheral edge 62 which differs from the domed central portiononly in that it curves more sharply. With this configuration, it will beappreciated that no abutments, stabilizing ribs, or the like areprovided so as to assist in retaining and properly positioning the discs58. Thus the person assembling the discs into the cube unit must utilizea substantial degree of manual dexterity, patience and skill in arrivingat the assembled unit, thus presenting a substantial challenge.

The disc 64 of FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrates, utilizing a basic discconfiguration including a flat central panel or portion 66 and anarcuate peripheral edge 68, the concept of increasing the difficulty ofassembly by forming the disc 64 so as to be slightly elliptical inshape. In other words, the vertical diameter of the disc of FIG. 12 isof a greater length than the horizontal diameter, it being contemplatedthat this difference be approximately l/l6 inch. The discs soconstructed will assemble, however, difficulties will be encountered anda proper orientation of the discs will be required, thus furtherincreasing the challenge of the puzzle.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a circular disc 70 which consists solely ofthe transversely arcuate peripheral edge, thus forming in effect a ring.The central portion of the disc 70 is devoid of material. As such, itwill also be appreciated that difficulties will be encountered inproperly handling, manipulating and assembling the discs 70,notwithstanding the fact that successful assembly can in fact beachieved following the basic manipulative steps referred to supra.

The discs 72 of FIGS. 16 and 17 are intended to illustrate the conceptof increasing the difficulty of the basic disc by the provision of aseries of cutouts 74 within the central portion 76 with these cutouts 74extending inwardly from the juncture between the central portion orpanel 76 and the transversely arcuate edge 78. In order to avoid theretained portions of the central panel 76 aligning with the edges of thefour discs which are to align and interengage with each disc, it iscontemplated that more than four cutouts 74 be provided. There can be,as desired, either an even number of cutouts or an odd number ofcutouts.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the invention hereinrelates to substantial improvements directed to varying the challengeassociated with assembling disc puzzles of the type wherein six discsare interengaged, without mechanical fasteners, so as to define a cubeunit. The modifications presented herein are all within the realm ofconventional manufacturing practices and are considered unique in boththeir basic simplicity and the practical results obtained.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a pluralityof plate-like discs, each disc including a central portion and acontinuous laterally curved peripheral edge portion interleavable atspaced points therearound with several of the remaining discs, saidcentral portion is flat and laterally offset out of the plane defined bythe inner periphery of the edge portion, and a continuous integralpartition formed between the inner periphery of the edge portion and theouter periphery of the laterally offset flat central portion, saidpartition forming an acute angle with the peripheral edge portion.

2. The construction of claim 1 wherein said edge portion is polygonal,defined by a plurality of angularly related straight edge sections.

3. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a pluralityof plate-like discs, each disc including edge sections are provided.

1. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a pluralityof plate-like discs, each disc including a central portion and acontinuous laterally curved peripheral edge portion interleavable atspaced points therearound with several of the remaining discs, saidcentral portion is flat and laterally offset out of the plane defined bythe inner periphery of the edge portion, and a continuous integralpartition formed between the inner periphery of the edge portion and theouter periphery of the laterally offset flat central portion, saidpartition forming an acute angle with the peripheral edge portion. 2.The construction of claim 1 wherein said edge portion is polygonal,defined by a plurality of angularly related straight edge sections. 3.For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a plurality ofplate-like discs, each disc including a central portion and a continuouslaterally curved peripheral edge portion interleavable at spaced pointstherearound with several of the remaining discs, said central portion isflat and laterally offset out of the plane defined by the innerperiphery of the edge portion, and a continuous integral partitionformed between the inner periphery of the edge portion and the outerperiphery of the laterally offset flat central portion, said edgeportion being polygonal, defined by a plurality of angularly relatedstraight edge sections.
 4. The construction of claim 3 wherein eightstraight edge sections are provided.